Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra

Character. Commitment. Discipline. Community.
Mr. Diego Hernandez, conductor

For information about the GCYO Summer Workshop, click here.

The Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra, founded in 2025 as the Gulf Coast Symphony’s newest educational program, aims to be the region’s premier youth orchestra for gifted young classical musicians, and become one of the most highly regarded youth orchestras in the United States.  

We believe that the pursuit of musical excellence builds character, discipline, commitment, and community. We aim to create a unique learning environment in which a diverse cohort of students develops fundamental life skills including leadership, self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience through rehearsing and performing quality orchestral music. 

Intended as an advanced supplement to participation in school band/orchestra programs and private study, participation in GCYO includes weekly rehearsals, regularly scheduled concerts, and several additional benefits:
• Mentorship and orchestral sectional training from members of the Gulf Coast Symphony.
• The opportunity to join a community of young orchestral musicians from throughout the region.
• Voluntary additional performance and leadership opportunities that make a difference for the community.
• Insider access to GCS resources, including free tickets to select performances.
• A valuable addition to college/conservatory applications.

Rehearsals: Saturdays during the academic year, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music and Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL. After the concert on May 12, 2026, GCYO will adjourn until the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year in August. However, we will also offer a GCYO summer workshop in June; see here for details.

Concerts:
Saturday, February 28, 2026, Music and Arts Community Center
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Open to: Musicians age 15–22 who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, percussion, harp, flute, piccolo, oboe, English horn, clarinet, bass/Eb clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, or tuba. There may also be an occasional need for other instruments.  Musicians younger than 15 who are ready for a highly advanced musical experience may also join, subject to approval by the conductor.

Expectations: While there is no entrance audition for the 2025–2026 school year, musicians will be expected to have an advanced level of proficiency on their instrument; to commit to rehearsal attendance, preparation, and respectful conduct; and to perform in the concerts. Although rehearsals have already begun, musicians are generally welcome to join throughout the 2025–2026 school year, subject to approval by the conductor.

Supplies: Musicians are required to bring their own instrument (with the exception of percussionists), all necessary supplies for their instrument, and a pencil to rehearsals. Sheet music will be provided. For concerts, musicians must wear standard “concert black” orchestra attire: black dress shirt, black dress pants/skirt, and black dress shoes with black socks (no logos or patterns.)

Tuition: Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are delighted to offer a limited-time 100% subsidy on tuition. All students participating in the 2025–26 and/or 2026–27 school years will receive free tuition!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Ready to Join? Click the Register button above and fill out the form. Please fill out one form per child.

Although there is no tuition fee, registration is required to reserve your spot. After submitting the form, our team will follow up with any necessary next steps.

Questions? Email Mr. Diego Hernandez, GCYO Conductor, at diego@gulfcoastsymphony.org.